Sweetwater County Library System

DATE: July 02, 2008		Back to Top
TO: Local Media		Print View
FROM: Vicki Roth - 875-3615, ext. 8
RE: Foundation endowment fund and garage sale
The Wyoming State Legislature continued its commitment to Wyoming libraries when the House of Representatives voted 60-0 to pass the Public Library Endowment Challenge Program in the 2008 session. The bill, which had already passed the state senate, provides an endowment of $9.1 million to the foundations of the state’s 23 public libraries. County library foundations can receive up to $295,652 by raising matching funds according to a tier system based on county valuation. The act becomes effective July 1, 2008 when donations to the endowment can begin. Sweetwater County must match the state money dollar for dollar based on a higher county valuation than other counties in the state. To help with the fundraising effort, the Sweetwater County Library is having a garage sale Saturday, July 12 in the upper parking lot from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Head Librarian Carla Hardy says the library is looking for donations from the public. She said items that are clean and in good working condition will be most helpful. The library will not accept clothes, books or computer equipment. All donations become the property of the library and will not be returned. Cookies and beverages will also be sold. Hardy says proceeds from the sale after publicity expenses will go the foundation’s endowment to be matched by the state. She encouraged anyone who wants to make a separate donation to the endowment to do so at the garage sale and the donation will be matched.

DATE: July 02, 2008		Back to Top
TO: Local Media		Print View
FROM: Vicki Roth - 875-3615, ext. 8
RE: July programs at Rock Springs Library
Summer reading activities at Rock Springs Library continue through July. Anne Parady, Head of Youth Services, said storytime children will be “going on a picnic” in front of the library on Tuesday July 8. Prior to the “picnic” there will be stories and a color-your-own-placemat craft. Storytime programs for ages 3-6 are held on Tuesdays in two sessions, at 10:00 and 1:00. The Wednesday program on July 9 for elementary school children will feature read-aloud stories, a discussion about bees, and children will add to the "forest" in the Ferrero meeting room. Parady said “We will string beads, including insect beads, and hang them from a piece of tree branch to create a "sun catcher". The weekly Wednesday programs take place at 10:00 and 1:00. Parady said librarians and children created a “forest” for summer programs. In addition, as part of the annual summer activities, the library collects donations for the Rock Springs Humane Society. Items they are seeking this summer include “wet” cat food, kitten food, cat litter, cat toys, paper towels, bleach. Teens and preteens ages 11 and older are invited to a session of “Rock Band” on Thursday, July 10th. The session will run from 1:00 until 4:00 with refreshments. Kids can practice mastering guitar, bass, drums, or vocals with this computer game that can be competitive or collaborative, according to Parady. For more information, contact the Rock Springs Library and visit the web page, http://www.sweetwaterlibraries.com .

DATE: June 27, 2008		Back to Top
TO: Local Media		Print View
FROM: Vicki Roth - 875-3615, ext. 8
RE: Exhibit deadline extended
The date to apply for two exhibits at the libraries has been extended until July 7 due to the Independence Day holiday. Items for the “Positively Patriotic” to be held at the Sweetwater County Library for two months will be accepted until the library closes on July 7. Art for the 12th Annual Sweetwater Artists Open Exhibition scheduled at the White Mountain Library will have the same deadline. The patriotic exhibit in Green River is scheduled in celebration of our country’s independence and could include original paintings, photographs, drawings, or other media. The entries could also be memorabilia or commemorative work as well as folk art which is patriotic in nature, i.e. the American flag, fireworks, Uncle Sam, etc. This is the second year of a patriotic exhibit at the library in Green River. The first was a year ago in celebration of the Centennial of library service in Green River on July 4, 2007. The “Open” is an opportunity for Sweetwater County artists to show their artwork in a group exhibit. Artists are invited to submit two paintings, drawings, prints or collages for the exhibit. Guidelines include that the work is original in concept and execution. Copy work will not be accepted. All work must be framed appropriately and ready to hang with wire. The “Open” is for adult artists who are out of high school. Both exhibits are sponsored by the Sweetwater County Library System and coordinated by the Library System’s Exhibits Committee. Tri-fold applications are available at the libraries and Community Fine Arts Center. For more information, contact Vicki Roth, Public Relations and Programming at 875-3615, ext. 8 or vroth@will.state.wy.us.

DATE: June 20, 2008		Back to Top
TO: Local Media		Print View
FROM: Vicki Roth - 875-3615, ext. 8
RE: Teen Read @ SCL
Teens are encouraged to collectively read 25,000 pages this summer to “win stuff” at the Sweetwater County Library. Incentives to get teens to read include having library staff dress up as the rock band “Kiss” and Ellie Davis to dye her hair purple. Davis is Assistant Youth Services Librarian and teen advisor in Green River. She says teens keep track of the number of pages they read each week and a drawing will determine who wins the “cool” prize that week. Davis will add up the total number of pages teens read over the next couple of months and a name will be drawn on August 13 for the Grand Prize. Prizes include a full set of the Ranger’s Apprentice Series by John Flanagan, a full set of the Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer and a digital video camera gift set. The reading program is for teens 13-19 who have until August 12 to read 25,000 pages. Davis says hopefully “we will have Kiss, Live at the Sweetwater County Library… um …..sort of! Ha!” For information contact Davis at Sweetwater County Library for more information.

DATE: June 19, 2008		Back to Top
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FROM: Vicki Roth - 875-3615, ext. 8
RE: GPS class @ WM June 28
White Mountain Library will be the site of “Back Country Navigation with a Map, Compass & GPS” on Saturday, June 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is presented by Sheriff’s Detective Dick Blust. The one-day land navigation training program is for hunters, anglers, backpackers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The class is also scheduled July 19 at Sweetwater County Library, August 16 at Rock Springs Library and September 13 at White Mountain Library. All classes are held on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Class size is limited to 25 people. Registration by phone or in person takes place at the library on a first-come, first-served basis. The first half of the course involves classroom instruction at the library with the afternoon devoted to field exercises at parks in the area. The classes are jointly sponsored by the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office and the Sweetwater County Library System, http://www.sweetwaterlibraries.com Blust has trained hundreds of law enforcement officers, search and rescue volunteers, and rural firefighters. He recommends the use of map, compass, and GPS, or Global Positioning System, in an integrated system rather than relying on GPS alone. The training covers a variety of topics including topographic maps and map reading, map coordinate systems, the basic compass types, compass navigation, how GPS works and how to apply it, position fixing with GPS, GPS navigation, and coordinating the resources of the map, compass and GPS. According to Blust, “Many people buy a GPS thinking it will replace any need for maps and compasses, but the best approach is to use them all together.” He focuses on practical, hands-on instruction and training that students find easy to apply to their back country activities. Training handouts, GPSs, compasses, and maps will be provided, but participants who have their own GPSs, compasses, and maps are encouraged to bring them.

DATE: June 19, 2008		Back to Top
TO: Local Media		Print View
FROM: Vicki Roth - 875-3615, ext. 8
RE: Fundraiser to benefit Library Foundation
The Sweetwater County Library is having a garage sale Saturday, July 12 from 9 a.m. to 1:00 in the library parking lot. Donations will be accepted at the library beginning June 30 at 9 a.m. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Sweetwater County Library Foundation. The library is looking for donations of items that are clean and in good working condition. Donations could include white elephants that are no longer needed, or just don’t fit in the decorating scheme anymore. The library will not accept clothes, books or computers. All donations become the property of the library and will not be returned. Cookies and beverages will also be sold. Carla Hardy, Head Librarian of the library in Green River, said the staff decided to organize the event to coincide with the matching endowment program passed by the 2008 Wyoming State Legislature. Any donations to the endowment become part of the public library endowment challenge program and will be matched dollar for dollar in Sweetwater County. The endowment program goes into effect July 1, 2008. Interest earned off of the endowment can be used to benefit libraries in Sweetwater County in a variety of ways which will be identified by the Library Foundation with input from library staff. More information about the Public Library Endowment Challenge program and opportunities to donate will be forthcoming from the Foundation.

DATE: June 18, 2008		Back to Top
TO: Local Media		Print View
FROM: Vicki Roth - 875-3615, ext. 8
RE: ATV course @ Rock Springs Library June 18
Anne Parady, Head of Youth Services at Rock Springs Library, has scheduled a state-sponsored program titled “Wyoming Trails” for June 18 at 10:00 and 1:00 as part of the library’s summer reading activities. The program will feature an ATV safety course for children. According to the Wyoming Trails web site, due to the increased popularity of ATVs and a spike in the number of youth injuries and deaths in recent years on the vehicles, the Wyoming Trails Program is traveling to schools and events throughout the state to provide a rider safety message. Through the use of a Safety and Education Interactive Training Trailer and ATV Safety Simulator, the State Trails Program provides a variety of safety and ethics information to students ages six years and older. Certified instructors present a 45-60 minute fun-filled mini course providing students with safety techniques and trail ethics tips. Handouts will be available. Parady said the site for the mini-course is the auxiliary bowling center parking lot across from the Rock Springs Library on “C” Street downtown. Wyoming State Trails Safety and Education Coordinator Chris McNeill will conduct the training and provide ATV’s. There is no charge or registration required for the program. Call the Rock Springs Library for more information.

DATE: June 18, 2008		Back to Top
TO: Local Media		Print View
FROM: Vicki Roth - 875-3615, ext. 8
RE: Charlie Williams, the Noise Guy, @ the park June 24
Charlie Williams, the Noise Guy, will perform Tuesday, June 24 at Centennial Park as part of the summer reading program at Sweetwater County Library. The program begins at 11:00 and is free and open to the public. Williams’ program titled “Squish! The Dangerous Lives of Bugs” was created to fit the 2008 summer reading theme “Catch the Reading Bug”. Charlie Williams has been making noise in schools and libraries since he was a kid. He's an author, vocal sound impressionist and kid’s comedian living in Issaquah, Washington. He’s worked as a DJ, Cartoonist, Storyteller and a Children's Librarian. To watch some of his sounds effects and antics go to his web page at noiseguy.com. Other Tuesday programs @ the park include author John Washakie on July 1; and Orkin Man Tony Iverson on July 8. A “bug hunt” wraps up the Tuesday schedule on July 15. All programs begin at 11:00. Librarians in Green River have also scheduled two “Bonus” programs which take place at the library on Tuesdays. Children will build fairy houses on July 22 at 1:00. A Harry Potter celebration will take place on July 29 at 1:00. In addition, storytimes are scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday mornings in two sessions, at 9:30 and 11:00 with stories, songs and crafts at the Sweetwater County Library. Along with Tuesday programs, storytimes and “bonus” programs, children can participate in the reading incentive program throughout the summer. Davies says children can pick up a flyer with the “rules” to register, read and record their completed books. For more information, contact the Sweetwater County Library or visit http://www.sweetwaterlibraries.com.

DATE: June 13, 2008		Back to Top
TO: Local Media		Print View
FROM: Vicki Roth - 875-3615, ext. 8
RE: Positively Patriotic Exhibit in Green River
The second annual “Positively Patriotic” exhibit in celebration of our country’s Independence, is scheduled to show at the Sweetwater County Library during July and August. The exhibit will show in the library gallery and display case. Tri-fold applications are available in the libraries and the Community Fine Arts Center. The exhibit is sponsored by the Sweetwater County Library System and coordinated by the Library System’s Exhibits Committee. Applications and work should be submitted by June 26 at the library. The exhibit will be hung July 7. The show will be juried by the Library System’s Exhibits Committee which will decide on the appropriateness of the entries. Guidelines for the exhibit include that Sweetwater County residents of all ages are invited to submit artwork which is patriotic in nature. The work can be original paintings, drawings, photographs, or artwork of any media including quilts, cross stitch, pottery or other media that can be displayed on the walls or in a display case. The entries could also be memorabilia or commemorative work as well as folk art which is patriotic in nature, i.e. the American flag, fireworks, Uncle Sam, parades, etc. If not original work, the exhibitor will name the artist or creator of the art or how it was acquired. All work will be ready to display on the wall with framing wire, or appropriate hanging material or in the lobby display case. The exhibitor should suggest a way to display the art if it is of a unique nature. According to Vicki Roth, Public Relations librarian for the Sweetwater County Library System, “the exhibit is meant to be an exuberant celebration of our country’s Independence Day. We encourage the public to respond in the spirit of the celebration.” The exhibit was first introduced July, 2007 to commemorate the opening of the Carnegie Library in Green River on July 4, 1907. The Exhibits Committee is made up of community members Jill Hartley and Marylu Schock of Rock Springs; Angie Bennett, Deon Quitberg, and Donna Ragsdale of Green River; and library system members Debora Soule, director of the Community Fine Arts Center, Julie Farr, head librarian at White Mountain Library; Carla Hardy, head librarian at Sweetwater County Library; and Roth. The committee meets several times a year to review applications from individual artists and schedule exhibits. Applications for individual exhibits are available at the library circulation desks. For more information about library activities visit the Library System’s web page http://www.sweetwaterlibraries.com.

DATE: June 13, 2008		Back to Top
TO: Local Media		Print View
FROM: Vicki Roth - 875-3615, ext. 8
RE: Sweetwater Open exhibition @ WML
Local artists, amateur and professional, are invited to apply for the 12th Annual Sweetwater Artists Open Exhibition. It is scheduled for July and August at the White Mountain Library. Tri-fold application forms with guidelines are available at the libraries in Green River and Rock Springs and at the Community Fine Arts Center. The exhibit is sponsored by the Sweetwater County Library System and coordinated by the Library System’s Exhibits Committee. The deadline to submit applications and art is Thursday, June 26th at White Mountain Library. The annual “Open” is an opportunity for Sweetwater County artists to show their artwork in a group exhibit. Applicants are invited to submit two paintings, drawings, prints or collages for the exhibit. Although photographs will not be part of the Sweetwater Open, the Exhibits Committee periodically offers a group show for Sweetwater County photographers. Guidelines for the “Open” include that the work is original in concept and execution. Copy work will not be accepted. Each artistic piece must not have previously shown in the libraries. All work must be framed appropriately and ready to hang with wire. Hooks and brackets are not acceptable. An information card, which is included in the application, should be attached to the back of each piece. The “Open” is for adult artists who are out of high school. According to Vicki Roth of the Sweetwater County Library System, the Exhibits Committee scheduled the “Open” in 1997 to encourage and support local artists. “The group show has been a good way for amateur and professional artists to show their work in a public setting without the work and expense of an individual show,” she said. The exhibit has met with success, especially among artists who do not have enough work for a solo show. We encourage artists to submit their work for the Sweetwater Open.” The Exhibits Committee is made up of community members Jill Hartley and Marylu Schock of Rock Springs; Angi Bennett, Deon Quitberg and Donna Ragsdale of Green River; and library system members Debora Soule, director of the Community Fine Arts Center, Julie Farr, head librarian at White Mountain Library; Carla Hardy, head librarian at Sweetwater County Library; and Vicki Roth, public relations and programming. The committee meets several times a year to review applications from individual artists and schedule exhibits. Applications for individual exhibits are available at the library circulation desks. For more information about library activities visit the Library System’s web page http://www.sweetwaterlibraries.com.

DATE: June 06, 2008		Back to Top
TO: Local Media		Print View
FROM: Vicki Roth - 875-3615, ext. 8
RE: Flag Day ceremony June 14 @ White Mountain Library
A Flag Day ceremony in tribute to men and women serving in the military will take place at White Mountain Library Saturday, June 14 at noon. The public is invited to attend and acknowledge the contribution made by service men and women. The event is being sponsored by the Salvation Army and White Mountain Library. The American Legion Color Guard Archie Hay Post 24 will perform a flag raising ceremony. Patti Smith, Field Representative for U.S. Senator John Barrasso, will also read a letter from the Senator. Children are invited to make a patriotic windsock out of paper following the ceremony and temporary patriotic tattoos will be available. A flag pin will also be raffled or offered as a door prize during the noon event. Refreshments will be served. In conjunction with the Flag Day event, a patriotic exhibit “Hail to the Red, White, & Blue: A Tribute to Our Armed Forces” will show at White Mountain Library June 9-July 3. Military veterans, artists, and the general public are all invited to submit items for the exhibit before June 14. The library and the Salvation Army teamed up to assemble items for an “exuberant display of patriotism” in the library.” The exhibit may include medals, memorabilia, letters from the front line, original art, photographs, and anything patriotic in nature. Expected items are GI Joe figures from all branches of the service and patriotic photographs from John Partain. Applications for the exhibit are available in the libraries and the Community Fine Arts Center. Kathy Tacke, former chair of the Friends of Military Families and now a volunteer with the Salvation Army, describes her involvement with the patriotic observance. “My involvement with the National Guard 1041st Family Support group started when the husband of a close friend was deployed to Iraq. Military families sacrifice much when a loved one is deployed. I saw an opportunity to give back and show appreciation to those who serve by agreeing to be a volunteer. This desire to help resulted in the formation of a group named the “Friends of Military Families” who have offered support in various ways to families. FOMF was a small group which included Bobby Godfrey who is a Navy veteran and his wife Julie Godfrey. It became apparent that keeping the group strong would be a challenge. Conversation began with the Salvation Army regarding the possibility of joining forces. On June 1, 2008, FOMF joined the Salvation Army. Tacke comes from a family with a long military history. “My Maternal Grandfather served in WWI with the 1st Army under General Pershing as one of his personal foot messengers in the Argonne Forest of France. Due to mustard gas attacks he suffered recurring pneumonia which took his life at the age of 36. My father was a Boatswain Mate during WWII and was aboard the USS Gambier Bay when it was sunk by a Japanese battle ship during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He survived 72 hours of treading water and shark attacks. Also, my paternal Uncle served in WWII with the Army and the Navy. Both of my brother’s are veterans. The youngest served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam with the army’s Big Red One. He received the Distinguished Service Medal and 2 purple hearts. The oldest of my brothers joined the Navy and was stationed in Japan between the Korean and Vietnam wars. In addition, my husband is a Vietnam Veteran and my step-son is retired from the Navy and served two tours of duty in the Persian Gulf. My son was accepted to the Naval Nuclear Power Command but became separated due to a medical condition.”

DATE: June 04, 2008		Back to Top
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FROM: Vicki Roth - 875-3615, ext. 8
RE: Poetry Jam June 13 in Green River
The first outdoor Poetry Jam of the season takes place at the gazebo in Centennial Park Green River on Friday, June 13 beginning at 7 p.m. Ellie Davis, Youth Services Assistant Librarian and teen group advisor for The Library Club, TLC, in Green River, encourages poets and musicians to take part in the jam. The public is invited to participate as performers or audience members. Davis asks performers to show up by 6:30 p.m. so she can schedule the line-up. She said the jams are becoming more popular each month with 13 poets for the May Jam. She says, “please come and express yourself in this safe, comfortable atmosphere or just come and enjoy the show.” She advises that “if the weather is terrible, we will be at the library”. There will be a poster at one place, the park, or the other, the library, saying where the Jam is. Davis says a poetry jam is literally poetry plus a musical jam which begins with social interaction and mingling. As people arrive, she finds out if they wish to perform poetry or music, what genre of music and how many poems and/or songs they have to perform. The poetry jam is an open-mic event which means it is open to anybody high school age and up who wishes to participate. Since the jam encourages self-expression, and poetry is not censored, Davis says the Jams are more appropriate for high school students and older. Davis says she hopes to hear some original poetry; however, individuals are welcome to perform any poem they wish as long as they cite the author. Costumes, props and embellishments are also welcome. Performers can read up to three poems or play up to three songs. At 7:00 p.m. the poetry portion of the Poetry Jam begins. Each person who participates reads one poem, followed by the next person and so on, until everyone has had one turn. Then the second round begins and so on depending on the number of poets. The poetry portion is followed by an intermission to allow the musicians to set up. Then the musical portion of the jam begins. The number of songs performed by each artist varies from show to show depending on the number of musicians who are lined up. Davis says, “The format of the jams is basically along the lines of, ‘set it up and they will come’. We never know how many poets or musicians will participate and the diversity of musical and poetic genre’s makes each Poetry Jam a unique experience.” She says the atmosphere is casual and comfortable without the pressure of competition. Coming up later in the summer, a concert/food drive will take place July 11 at Expedition Island. More information will be available in a few weeks. The Library Club will meet less often in the summer. Teens will still get together at the Sweetwater County Library on Tuesday nights at an earlier hour, 6:00, probably once or twice a month. A schedule will be available later in June. Davis says all high school students are invited to attend. The Club has participated in a variety of activities over the past year including Guitar Hero, movie nights, concerts, art projects, henna body art, music jams and more. Young adult events are sponsored by the Sweetwater County Library System, http://www.sweetwaterlibraries.com.

DATE: June 04, 2008		Back to Top
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FROM: Vicki Roth - -875-3615, ext. 8
RE: Small Quilt Show in Green River
Twelve handmade quilts by six Sweetwater County residents are showing at the Sweetwater County Library until the end of June. The “Small Quilt Show” is sponsored by the Sweetwater County Library System, http://www.sweetwaterlibraries.com. Quilters showing their work are Jennifer Codgill, Pam Finch, Carla Hardy, Michele Lyon, Ellen Newell, and Londa Porenta. “Boo!” and African Circles” were created by Michele Lyon. Jennifer Cogdill is showing two crib quilts titled “Cowgirl Pink” and “Lady Bug Picnic” with dimensions of 36” x 32”. Londa Porenta is showing four pieces, a Christmas wall hanging, “Christmas Garland”, “Snowman Window” and a stained glass wall hanging. Pam Finch’s two pieces are a stained glass wall hanging, and Christmas tree skirt. Carla Hardy’s “Eye Poppin’” is a fusible appliqué from Dragonfly Arts & Crafts, 2008. Ellen Newell has created a 73” x 19” table runner for the show. Group quilt shows were established in 2003 by the Library System’s Exhibits Committee for local quilters. This is the first year the Sweetwater County Library has hosted the show. The Exhibits Committee reviews applications several times a year and schedules group shows and individual exhibits throughout the year at the White Mountain Library and Sweetwater County Library. For more information, contact Vicki Roth, Public Relations at 875-3615, ext. 8 or vroth@will.state.wy.us.

DATE: June 03, 2008		Back to Top
TO: Local Media		Print View
FROM: Vicki Roth - 875-3615, ext. 8
RE: Magician Landstrom @ the libraries June 10
The libraries are hosting performer and magician Cody Landstrom in two performances on June 10 to kick off summer reading programs. Landstrom will entertain children and their parents under the gazebo at Centennial Park in Green River beginning at 10:00 and move to White Mountain Library for a performance at 1:00. The free programs are geared to children, their parents and the general public. Landstrom has an extensive background as an entertainer and performer. He traveled and performed as a professional musician for over 17 years playing guitar, keyboards and mandolin for every imaginable venue, including several years with USO tours. In 1987 he teamed up with Eric Mead and the Great Loudini to form "Funny Business", a vaudeville style juggling, magic and comedy show that performed all over the west. On his own since 1989, Cody's performances for corporations, celebrities, and others, have left them laughing and mystified, according to his web site. Landstrom combines the skills of comedy magic, astonishing sleight of hand and masterful juggling. His performances feature “teleporting balls, the knot that jumps, expert lassoing, amazing juggling, stunning mind reading and magic tricks.” His web site is www.codylandstrom.com The performance at White Mountain Library is sponsored and paid for by the Rock Springs Library with funds from the City of Rock Springs. Anne Parady, Head of Youth Services at Rock Springs Library, said “It’s a combined summer reading celebration for both libraries in Rock Springs.” The Green River program is sponsored by the Sweetwater County Library. Consult the Sweetwater County Library System web page for more information http://www.sweetwaterlibraries.com.

DATE: June 03, 2008		Back to Top
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FROM: Vicki Roth - 875-3615, ext. 8
RE: Sweetwater County Library Summer reading
The Sweetwater County Library in Green River has a full line-up of activities for youth during June and July, according to Maxine Davies, Head of Youth Services. Tuesday programs will take place at Centennial Park instead of at the library from June 10 through July 15 beginning at 11 a.m. The theme for Summer Reading is “Catch the Reading Bug” with activities and programs related to the theme. Kicking off the Tuesday schedule is magician Cody Landstrom on June 10. Subsequent programs are storyteller Joyce Wade on June 17; Charlie Williams, the “Noise Guy” on June 24; author John Washakie on July 1; and Orkin Man Tony Iverson on July 8. The final Tuesday program is a “Bug Hunt” party on July 15 at Centennial Park. Tuesday programs are meant for everyone, even people without children, according to Davies. Librarians have also scheduled two “Bonus” programs which take place at the library on Tuesdays. Children will build fairy houses on July 22 at 1:00. A Harry Potter celebration will take place on July 29 at 1:00. The two “bonus” programs are for school age children. Children 2nd grade and younger need to be accompanied by an adult. Storytimes will be held on Wednesday and Thursday mornings in two sessions, at 9:30 and 11:00 with stories, songs and crafts at the Sweetwater County Library. Themes are “Bubbles” on June 18 and 19; “Circus” on June 25 and 26; “Wild West” on July 2 and 3; and “Elephants” on July 9 and 10. Along with Tuesday programs, storytimes and “bonus” programs, children can participate in the reading incentive program throughout the summer. Davies says children can pick up a flyer with the “rules” to register, read and record their completed books. There are three age categories of readers with a 8.5” personal DVD player as a grand prize for each category. The more a child reads, the more tickets he or she will receive to enter the drawing. Other prizes will be awarded to participants in August. The first level is for children five years old and younger who are not reading on their own yet. They receive one ticket for every ten picture books read to them. The second level is for ages six to eight years old. They receive one ticket for every 75 pages read at their level. The third level for ages nine-twelve are expected to read 100 pages at their reading level to receive one ticket. Each category of readers is also expected to record titles or complete a mini book report depending on the age group. Drawings for prizes will take place at the end of August. Davies says, “Our goal as librarians during summer reading is to help children continue to practice their reading skills throughout the summer which will benefit them in the upcoming school year. We also want to help them become lifelong readers. The three-part process for reading success will be reading, cognitive thinking and writing skills. We want to help them become successful readers and thinkers.” Youth Services Librarians working with Davies are Assistant Ellie Eaton and Leora Johnson. For more information call the library or visit the Library System web page http://www.sweetwaterlibraries.com. Summer hours at the Sweetwater County Library are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 to 4:00 Friday and Saturday, May 27 through Aug. 29.